Long-Distance Hiking and Pilgrimage: What Every Packing List Is Missing

Long-distance hiking and pilgrimages are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you're walking the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena or crossing the Alps over several weeks, there is no shortage of recommendations and packing lists. Which backpack to choose, which shoes to wear and how many pairs of socks to bring: a quick Google search will tell you everything you need to know.

But there's one thing that hardly anyone talks about, despite how little information is available on the subject: the unexpected moments. The ones that sooner or later catch up with almost everyone on a journey like this.

The Unexpected Moments Along the Way

You Eat Whatever the Route Offers

As with any trip, your eating habits change, but even more so when you're on the trail. You don't get to choose every meal. Instead, you eat whatever you find along the way: a pilgrim's menu at a village restaurant, a sandwich from a gas station or whatever the small café happens to have available. The options are often limited. It's no surprise that after a few days, you may not feel quite as comfortable as you do at home.

You Don't Sleep Like You Do at Home

This one is obvious: you share a dormitory with strangers, someone is always snoring, and instead of your comfortable mattress, you get a standard pilgrim hostel bed. On top of that, insect bites can keep you awake at night.

The Weather Changes

Yesterday, it was 28°C on an exposed stretch of trail. Today, it's rain and wind at the mountain pass. Sometimes, you simply don't have the energy you had hoped for when planning the day's stage.

You Feel Every Mile in the First Few Days

Even if you're well trained, your legs will make themselves known during the first few days, and your backpack may feel heavier than it did in your living room.

The Mid-Journey Slump

Many pilgrims know the feeling: somewhere between day five and day ten, the initial excitement fades, the destination still seems far away, and you start wondering why you decided to do this in the first place. Or a message from home arrives just when you're walking a stage on your own.

The Language Isn't Yours

In small villages away from the cities, English may not get you very far. When you need something specific, even a simple request can become complicated.

And the People Walking Beside You

You're rarely alone for long on the trail. Fellow travellers you meet in the morning may end up walking alongside you for days. They experience these moments, too, and sometimes you may want to be there for them.

What No Packing List Includes

The Little Things That Make a Difference

• Earplugs and a sleep mask. For shared dormitories and the pilgrim who starts packing their backpack at five in the morning.

• A lightweight sleeping bag liner. Easy to wash, and you know what you're sleeping on.

• Blister plasters and a small first-aid kit. These appear on many packing lists, yet it's still easy to bring too few.

• Some cash. Card payments don't always work in small villages.

• Ten phrases in the local language. Write them down on a piece of paper for the moments when you need to ask for something specific.

• A small notebook. For the thoughts that come to you after the twentieth kilometre.

And a Companion for the Unexpected Moments

For situations like these, we created the Nomad Secrets S.O.S. Travel Companion: 14 vibration combinations in a slim metal case, each named after a typical travel situation. From Digestion Balance and After Bite to Rescue Plus for those mid-journey slumps.

The total weight is 160 grams. No liquids, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free. It fits into any backpack without adding too much to your overall load.

And if your trail companion simply can't settle down after a long day of walking, perhaps you'll share your little travel companion with them. After all, on the trail, people share almost everything.

Discover the S.O.S. Travel Companion

Final Thoughts

There is no such thing as the perfect packing list. But if you think about the unexpected moments as well as your shoes and backpack, you can set off feeling better prepared.

Buen Camino and happy trails!

Disclaimer: The S.O.S. Travel Companion is not a medicinal product. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you experience health concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.